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Baker’s 7 Year vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Put Baker’s 7 Year next to Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a classic, high-wheat stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Baker’s 7 Year | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 7 years | 12 years +5 yr |
| Proof | 107 proof (53.5% ABV) +17 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $70 ~$473 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Baker’s 7 Year and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Baker’s 7 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Baker’s 7 Year Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 7/3 nuttiness: Baker’s 7 Year 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
heat 6/3 heat: Baker’s 7 Year 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Baker’s 7 Year 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Baker’s 7 Year 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Baker’s 7 Year 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Baker’s 7 Year 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- Baker’s 7 Year: The gentlest of the Beam small-batch collection despite its 107 proof, thanks to an unusually creamy texture. The peanut note is present but softened, sitting under vanilla and light fruit.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Baker’s 7 Year if you want the Beam character in its smoothest, creamiest form at a real proof point at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line with an older age statement.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Baker’s 7 Year); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).